The state-of-the-art half-mile and quarter-mile speedways have been developed for nearly 10 years and will officially bring NASCAR back to Bakersfield with 'KGET-TV Opening Night.'

The brand-new Kern County Raceway Park, fueled by Monster Energy, will make history with its Grand Opening on May 18.

The state-of-the-art half-mile and quarter-mile speedways have been developed for nearly 10 years and will officially bring NASCAR back to Bakersfield with "KGET-TV Opening Night."

Saturday's event will look to bring back the strong tradition of pavement racing in Bakersfield and will offer racing for drivers as young as five years old!

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series sanctioned races will make up the bulk of the 24-race schedule, running through October 26.

Saturday night's opener is headlined by the prestigious 100 lap NASCAR Pro Late Model feature that pays $8,000 to the race winner. NASCAR CITGO Lubricants Late Models will run a 50 lap event on the half-mile as well for $2,500 to win.

Quarter-mile racing during the grand opening will include the INEX Legends for $1000 to win and Bandoleros, with Mini Dwarfs racing on the one-eight mile.

All told, the five divisions will race for nearly $50,000 in cash and prizes in one of the most lucrative pavement short track events on the West Coast.

On May 17, track officials will turn on the lights for team to get one last practice around the speedway before the racing action begins the following night. The pit gates will open at 3 p.m. with practice from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., with no charge for the Bandolero and Mini Dwarf drivers.

Saturday night's action will include practice and qualifying leading up to the 6 p.m. opening ceremonies and racing. Spectator gates and the ticket box office will open at 4 p.m.

The CITGO Lubricants Late Models will compete in 18 points races at the speedway as they race for NASCAR state and national points.